PRIVATE TOUR: For snorkeling lovers: Swim alongside sea turtles in Akumal Bay, then explore the crystal-clear waters of 1 or 2 cenotes. End the day with a delicious meal at a local Mexican restaurant.
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!
Looking for the ultimate snorkeling experience in the Riviera Maya? Our Akumal Turtles Tour combines two unforgettable aquatic adventures: snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Bay and exploring the magical waters of a jungle cenote. This tour is a favorite among families, kids, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and marine life in a fun, safe, and private setting.
The first part of your private tour takes you to the calm, clear waters of Akumal, one of the best places in Mexico to observe sea turtles in the wild. With the help of your certified private guide, you’ll snorkel alongside green sea turtles, peaceful and majestic as they glide effortlessly through the water. These gentle creatures often come close, offering a magical, up-close experience you’ll never forget.
If you're lucky, you might also spot stingrays and colorful tropical fish swimming gracefully along the ocean floor. Don't worry—stingrays are harmless and only add to the beauty of this incredible underwater setting.
After swimming with turtles in Akumal, the adventure continues inland. You can choose to visit one cenote or enhance your experience with two cenotes. Your guide will take you to a stunning cave cenote with dramatic rock formations or an open-air cenote surrounded by lush jungle, or both! Choosing two cenotes allows you to explore two very different environments and enjoy a more complete snorkeling adventure.
You can find the full list of cenotes available to choose from in the “General Info” tab.
No matter which cenote you choose, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear freshwater, impressive limestone formations, and a peaceful atmosphere. Snorkeling here gives you the chance to discover a hidden world that few travelers get to see.
After your snorkeling activities, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local Mexican restaurant, nestled in the jungle or nearby town, depending on your chosen cenote. It’s the perfect moment to relax, share stories, and reflect on your day of discovery.
This tour is 100% private and flexible, making it ideal for snorkelers of all levels, from first-timers to experienced swimmers. Our expert guides will adapt to your pace, provide all necessary gear, and offer tips to help you feel comfortable in the water.
Whether you're an adventurous adult or a cautious child, you’re in good hands. Swimming is easy and accessible directly from the shore—no boat needed. Children as young as 4 or 5 years old can participate as long as they know how to swim and are comfortable wearing a mask and snorkel.
Join us on this exclusive Akumal Turtles tour paired with a cenote snorkeling experience. Whether you're drawn by the chance to meet marine life or explore the mysterious underground world of cenotes, this private tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic,
crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when
booking.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:45am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:30pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
08:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:15pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
07:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:45am – 09:45am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:45am – 10:15am: Transportation
10:15am – 11:15am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:15am – 12:00pm: Lunch at a restaurant
12:00pm – 13:45pm: Transportation to your hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to a maximum of 1 hour, as per Akumal regulations.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes and
preserve the reefs, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance
with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
Looking for the ultimate snorkeling experience in the Riviera Maya? Our Akumal Turtles Tour combines two unforgettable aquatic adventures: snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Bay and exploring the magical waters of a jungle cenote. This tour is a favorite among families, kids, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and marine life in a fun, safe, and private setting.
The first part of your private tour takes you to the calm, clear waters of Akumal, one of the best places in Mexico to observe sea turtles in the wild. With the help of your certified private guide, you’ll snorkel alongside green sea turtles, peaceful and majestic as they glide effortlessly through the water. These gentle creatures often come close, offering a magical, up-close experience you’ll never forget.
If you're lucky, you might also spot stingrays and colorful tropical fish swimming gracefully along the ocean floor. Don't worry—stingrays are harmless and only add to the beauty of this incredible underwater setting.
After swimming with turtles in Akumal, the adventure continues inland. You can choose to visit one cenote or enhance your experience with two cenotes. Your guide will take you to a stunning cave cenote with dramatic rock formations or an open-air cenote surrounded by lush jungle, or both! Choosing two cenotes allows you to explore two very different environments and enjoy a more complete snorkeling adventure.
You can find the full list of cenotes available to choose from in the “General Information” tab.
No matter which cenote you choose, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear freshwater, impressive limestone formations, and a peaceful atmosphere. Snorkeling here gives you the chance to discover a hidden world that few travelers get to see.
After your snorkeling activities, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local Mexican restaurant, nestled in the jungle or nearby town, depending on your chosen cenote. It’s the perfect moment to relax, share stories, and reflect on your day of discovery.
This tour is 100% private and flexible, making it ideal for snorkelers of all levels, from first-timers to experienced swimmers. Our expert guides will adapt to your pace, provide all necessary gear, and offer tips to help you feel comfortable in the water.
Whether you're an adventurous adult or a cautious child, you’re in good hands. Swimming is easy and accessible directly from the shore—no boat needed. Children as young as 4 or 5 years old can participate as long as they know how to swim and are comfortable wearing a mask and snorkel.
Join us on this exclusive Akumal Turtles tour paired with a cenote snorkeling experience. Whether you're drawn by the chance to meet marine life or explore the mysterious underground world of cenotes, this private tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic,
crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when
booking.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:45am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:30pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
08:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:15pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
07:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:45am – 09:45am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:45am – 10:15am: Transportation
10:15am – 11:15am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:15am – 12:00pm: Lunch at a restaurant
12:00pm – 13:45pm: Transportation to your hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to a maximum of 1 hour, as per Akumal regulations.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes and
preserve the reefs, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance
with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.
All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide.
While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.
It typically lasts between 5 to 6 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.
Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.
Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.
Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.
That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!
No previous snorkeling experience is required, but basic swimming skills are necessary.
We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.
You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.
We offer a variety of cenote types, including open-air, semi-open, and cave cenotes.
Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.
Turtle sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, as they are wild animals.
Akumal is one of the best places in the region to see them.
There is no boat involved. The swim starts directly from the shore, and you’ll enter the water with your guide to reach the turtle area.
Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.
Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list. Essentials include swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes.
You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.
Yes, you can bring your own mask and snorkel.
However, fins are not allowed when swimming with turtles or in the cenote, so please do not bring them.
We will still provide our own gear as a backup if needed. We will also provide mandatory life vests and optional wetsuits at the cenote if you want to wear one.
Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.
After booking, you can let us know your needs by filling out the check-in form—just follow the link in your booking confirmation email.
You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.
We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!
For full details, check out our booking policy page.
David –
Absolut fabulous day out!
Bill –
Excellent tour of turtle snorkling tour. Saw sea turtles, sting rays. Then on to the cenotes. Beautiful caves. Our tour guide Joshua was five star. He was so knowledgeable about the history of the area and nature. Gojo was our driver and was an excellent guide. They were both patient and we never felt rushed.
Renee –
Best day ever!
This excursion was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip, providing my sisters and me with a fantastic private experience. The tour operators exhibited excellent organization, offering all the necessary information well in advance so we were well-prepared before departure. At 7:30 am sharp, they picked us up at our hotel in a private van, and a 35-minute ride took us to our first destination. Our tour guide, Joshua, equipped us with life vests and snorkel masks, and we soon found ourselves in the ocean, swimming out to observe sea turtles. We had the pleasure of spotting four sea turtles, along with starfish, barracuda, and a stingray. While it was amazing to see the sea turtles, it’s important to note that this part of the tour requires strong swimming skills.
For our next stop, we had the option to choose from one of four cenotes. Following Joshua’s recommendation, we visited Cenote Nicte-Ha, which was truly breathtaking. Joshua’s expertise proved invaluable as the cenote was a marvel to behold. The cold yet refreshing water, combined with the stunning surroundings, left us in awe. Joshua even kindly took photos of my sisters and me, capturing the moment perfectly. We could have easily spent the entire day at the cenote; it was that remarkable.
After our cenote adventure, we indulged in a delicious Mexican lunch, with a selection of six different entrees and soft drinks. This day was nothing short of perfection, and by 12:30 pm, we were back at our Tulum hotel. This tour was exceptional, and I can’t wait to experience it again when I return to Tulum.
Jane –
Stunning turtles and bright blue cenote
Juan was the perfect tour guide – so knowledgeable about Mexican history and also really helpful answering extra questions we had about our trip. We loved getting to know him. The experience might seem expensive, but you get a lot for your money – barely anyone at the beautiful cenote, and would recommend the early turtle swim as that was also uncrowded and very special. You can see turtles, sting rays and starfish close up as well as coral. Lunch was also delicious in a great local spot. If you want to get a lot out of your morning, would highly recommend this tour. Thanks so much to our driver too, and all the lovely people we met!
Rachel –
Rodrigo (driver) and Alex (guide) were both amazing and we had such a great time with them. It was truly the highlight of our trip. They taught us so much about the area and made us feel well cared for. Could not recommend the tour or the employees enough!
Hayley –
Amazing Experience
My son and I went on this trip as he had always wanted to swim with turtles. We were very lucky to have Juan (JJ) again for this trip. We were greeted with a smile and it was lovely to have the same guide. Again we arrived at Akumel early before all the crowds and we were handed over to our turtle expert Israel. He took us out just the two of us to where the turtles were. He looked after us especially me as I was a little nervous about snorkelling. Also I had my iPhone in a plastic underwater case. He put me at ease that the phone case would be up to the job and took all our lovely videos and photos, which we will treasure forever. We were lucky to see Turtles including an albino one which are very rare, also saw a puffer fish and baby squid and also a reef with lots of beautiful coral and fish! It was lovely to have the sea and turtles to ourselves and when we got out of the sea the crowds of people arrived! JJ then took care of tipping Israel for us for an excellent job. We then headed to a cenote JJ gave us a choice and we headed for an underground cenote. The steps were very narrow to enter but he looked after us both. He then took us snorkelling in the cenote and took some lovely video and photos for us including the bats!!! Would definitely recommended this private tour and JJ who was lovely and patient too.
Chris –
Perfect day out!
We have just spent a fantastic morning with Juan our guide and Carlos our driver, an early pick up to avoid the crowds, we spent over 40 minutes in the water at akumal and saw lots of turtles then swam in an open Cenote which was amazing, followed by a lovely lunch at a friendly local restaurant, the tacos were awesome, let Juan order your food, our son has autism and adhd so tours can be difficult sometimes, Juan took it all in his stride adapting the timings to suit our needs, he even kept josh entertained whilst myself and my wife enjoyed the Cenote swim, we will definitely use them again
Melissa –
We had an amazing experience today on our tour with Arturo and Carlos! It was so nice having Carlos driving and Arturo as the tour guide to talk with in the van! Arturo was very welcoming, warm and inviting and took very good care of us! He was very patient with our kids and was a wealth of local knowledge! The experience of Akumal and the Cenote was perfect, we loved every minute of our time on this tour! Book now, don’t wait!! We will be returning customers!
Tracey –
Excellent! Grear trip that was so much better than a group trip… private was indeed private. Joshua was a great guide & even had lunch with us which allowed us to hear more about Mexican culture…
Apologies but I’ve forgotten the drivers name – but he was exceptional also – with drinks on hand after each stop!!! A brilliant day … much recommended.
Beth –
We had the loveliest day snorkeling with the turtles and enjoying swimming in a cenote. Alex was wonderful! He was so informative explaining much about the area, history, culture etc. He was so pleasant and accommodating as well, answering any questions we had. He truly made the day extra special. We saw turtles in Akumel and many fish in the reef. We were fortunate enough to have the cenote to ourselves and immensely enjoyed the beauty and relaxing time snorkeling there as well. After, was a delicious lunch at a local family run restaurant. All in all, an exceptional day!
Christina –
Highly recommend this private tour! Our tour guide was fantastic!
What a wonderful experience! Perfect private tour for a nervous swimmer like me. First stop was snorkelling in Akumel where we saw several sea turtles, including babies. Two of which came up for air within arms length. So close you could actually hear the turtle inhale!
We also saw a couple of stingrays. Was nice to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Next was a stop at the Nicte Ha Cenote where we able to relax, snorkel and enjoy this refreshing water in a gorgeous setting. Lastly, we stopped for an authentic Mexican lunch. Enjoyed the food, ambience and company of our guide Alex.
Alex was a wealth of information. His love of the Mayan history and people was evident. He appears to love his job and does it well!
A special shout out to our driver Omar. While Alex was sharing information Omar navigated the busy highway allowing us to arrive at our destination safely and stress free.
Highly recommend!
Adventure3062 –
We had fun snorkeling and seeing sea turtles and lots of fishes! They actually set you up with a local guide to find them and provide you with everything you need (snork equipment and life vest). Arturo, our guide watched over our stuff in the meantime. Then Arturo, took us to the Taak bi Ha cenote and gave us wetsuits so we wouldn’t be cold. It was such a wonderful place. He explained how the cave formed and showed us some nice spots. This was an amazing cenote, would absolutely recommend! This is a great company, felt safe, the mini van was clean and all the guides are very friendly.
KATE –
We had a lovely time with our guide Dulce and our driver Carlos. We saw green sea turtles, stingrays and various smaller fish (including a young Dory fish) when snorkelling in Tsuuk Akumal. Going early helps to avoid the crowds and it was only getting busier when we were leaving. We then had a choice of cenotes to go to and opted for Nicte-Ha, a smallish open cenote with a bit of side caves, as we’d been to various enclosed cenotes already. Nicte-Ha had great visibility, enabling us to snorkel among waterlilies and tiny fish. As it was still early, for most of our time there we were the only people in the cenote. The local lunch was great and Dulce helped us order a nice variety platter to try various types of tacos. As sunscreen is not allowed in Tsuuk Akumal or in the cenote, I’d recommend asking for a wetsuit, especially if you’re prone to burning. They have them in the car and they will shield your back and upper limbs from the sun while snorkelling as well as keep you warm in the cooler waters of the cenote for longer.
Jason –
Alex ( guide) and Rodriguez ( driver) were great. We had a excellent time on our private tour with my family. It was very good! we did the turtle snorkeling adventure with the cenote!
Bobby –
Excellent private tour. Amazing driver and guide that picked us up right from resort. On time! Extremely friendly and knowledgeable ! Felt very safe the entire time! Can’t give a high enough recommendation for 1 or 2 couples or a family !
Alexis + Chris –
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING THE MOST AMAZING experience. BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW . Booked a tour to snorkel with turtles and swim in a cenote . We woke up 15 minutes after pick up time and scrambled to get outside JUAN was our driver , who waited for us and welcomed us with open arms . He put our minds at easy and assured us not to worry . HE WENT OUT OF HIS WAY to make our experience amazing, took photos , shared stories and made us feel EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE. I simply cannot say enough good things about him . HE IS TRULY so kind hearted& full of life . Please make sure to show gratitude and respect for your your guides and TIP THEM . Our driver and guide made our day AMAZING and we appreciate them so much . Juan You are the BEST of the BEST .
Rob –
Knowledgeable and friendly guide, everything was right on time and we had a Great tour of the cenote
Libby –
This was an excellent tour! I felt very safe and the tour guides Alex and Omar were absolutely excellent. Very safe, very freindly and it could not have been a better experience. Will definitely go again!
Stephen –
Alex and Omar were amazing!!! We saw two amazing wild turtles and went to a beautiful underground centre. The lunch was great. Alex was a wonderful guide, we had so much fun!!!
Sara –
This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I went with a group of 7 to Akumal Bay where we saw 4 turtles, 3 stingrays and a bunch of fish. After that, we went to Taak Bi Ha cenote which was so beautiful and probably one of the coolest things I’ll ever see! We finished with lunch which was provided by the tour. The tour guide, Dulce, was so nice and informative about everything. Our van driver, Rodrigo, was also super nice and did a great job getting us there and back. I would recommend this tour to anyone! What a great experience!